Victims Who Fall Prey to Human Trafficking

Blog Post 5

Human trafficking is easy to understand, yet complex. First, it is easy money and very profitable. Second, the demand for labor and sex is universal and difficult to prosecute. Third, it looks like everyday prostitution, which is tolerated, to observers and even cops. Therefore, it has been difficult to pinpoint the traffickers, let alone victims. And with corruption within law enforcement, it feels like a dead end to people who want to help.

Who are the victims and how do they become the prey?

The first encounter is usually in a mall, playground or neighborhood. Children who appear to be lost, left at a mall, an arcade or the movies usually becomes the victim. Traffickers are attracted to kids on their own with low self-esteem. They solicit in a kindly way: “You are beautiful,” “Have you ever thought about becoming a model?” Some are offered drugs or an opportunity to be in a movie.

Children and teens that run away from home are seen as vulnerable victims. Traffickers know exactly what to say to lure their victims into feeling security and comfort with a promise of a new life. They give the victim the impression that it is their own choice –that they are independent. The victim feels grown-up and believes this person understands them and their parents do not.

They are then beaten, drugged, raped and made to believe it was their choice. “They are told that they will be arrested for prostitution and that the trafficker/pimp is the one who will protect them now and keep them safe (Kennedy & Smith, 2007).” Victims are traded, sold, or brought to a prostitution district or large work site –like New Orleans and the Mississippi coast. They are brought to places with high demand.

I now understand why my mother used to make sure I was by her side when we were shopping. She used to tell me that kids were kidnapped and sold, but I thought she said those things to scare me. And I did not know that run away kids and young teens were such vulnerable people, but it makes sense –they are emotional. They are angry at their “strict” parents and wish they had someone that understood them or that they had a better life. Some victims may come from lower socioeconomic class, abusive homes, have alcohol or drug addicted parents, and may even be addicted to drugs themselves. But raising public awareness through ads, commercials, children television programs, school and parents will help decrease the chances of victims lured by traffickers.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/11/earlyshow/main3250963.shtml

Photo:

http://vimdy.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/human_trafficking-photo1.jpg

Blog Post 4

Long Pross was kidnapped from her village in Cambodia when she was thirteen years old. She was trafficked to Pinam Pin and forced into years of prostitution and torture.

She told Nicholas D. Kristof, a columnist for New York Times, that when she resisted, the brothel owner would bring her to the dungeon and electrocute her. And when Long Pross would argue too much, she got electrocuted two times. They would wet her shirt, tie her up and put a live wire inside of her. Kristof heard of the dungeons under the brothel before, but never thought they were real, so Cina Van, an ex victim, brought him to a brothel that had been torn down.

Long Pross’s virginity was sold four times and you’re probably thinking, “I thought we’re only virgins once!?” Imagine this, she was stitched THREE TIMES! These victims are NOT PAID, are NOT allowed to ask for condoms and forced to get abortions. Long Pross got pregnant twice and did not get her second abortion till she was four months. She was in so much pain that she broke the code and begged for time to rest. The brothel owner got mad and stabbed her left eye with a metal piece and discarded her because she was of no value anymore.

This interview took place on January 4, 2009, which shows how recent and real human trafficking is. Human traffickers have no sympathy and feel no shame in torturing these young girls. How can human beings be so cruel and gouge someone’s eye out? It was painful for Long Pross to think back, but shared her story hoping it would awaken others. The Somaly Mam Foundation took her in and is trying to help her get a glass eye. She is doing well now –taking classes and hoping to become a seamstress.

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/01/03/opinion/1194837193498/the-face-of-slavery.html